A gold claim and an 1880’s ghost town?

[CarsonChris]

I found the remnants of some old buildings from the 1880’s. About 200 feet from them is a modern placer claim stake. I want to detect the old building sites but believe they sit on a modern placer claim. What would the rules regarding this situation be? On public land.

 

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[IMAUDIGGER]

So far I have not seen where congress gave the citizens the right to claim and own relics on public land.
With that said I'm not sure of the actual legality detecting an old ghost town either.

I know some people get pretty upset when they see metal detectors on their claim.
If I saw someone detecting an old cabin on my claim, I'd feel kind of defensive but would know I have no right to say anything other than inform them they are on a mineral claim.

 

[tahomatom]

So far I have not seen where congress gave the citizens the right to claim and own relics on public land.
With that said I'm not sure of the actual legality detecting an old ghost town either.

I know some people get pretty upset when they see metal detectors on their claim.
If I saw someone detecting an old cabin on my claim, I feel kind of defensive but would know I have no right to say anything other than inform them they are on a mineral claim.

Well I can tell you people get real angry when they find anyone on their "mineral " claim. They only have claim to the minerals. To dispute that out in the middle of nowhere can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Imo.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Well I can tell you people get real angry when they find anyone on their "mineral " claim. They only have claim to the minerals. To dispute that out in the middle of nowhere can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Imo.

Yup, some people can handle themselves better than others.
Gotta watch out for for that handful of loose cannons.